Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati says there is a need for more partnerships and collaboration, which is key for delivering digital transformation in the country.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mutati said this last night at the launch of the Yango Fellowship Programme, a partnership between the Zambia National STEM Foundation and Yango, that empowers young Zambian STEM students.

The fellowship provides STEM students with financial support, mentorship and networking opportunities, aimed at fostering innovation and nurture local talent for Zambia’s sustainable development.

Mr Mutati noted that the country has raw material in terms of innovative talent, but lacks opportunities to flourish, therefore emphasising that the country needs a revolution.

He tasked Yango to have a programme that involves the mainstream government and other universities to enable expansion of the support programme.

The Minister added that, as the country continues to respect other social sciences, investment in STEM remains vital.   

“I have interacted with the STEM Foundation for a number of years and seen the passion and determination to push over 30 thousand young talents in various components of STEM, but towards a dead end,” Mr Mutati stated.

He commended Yango for a good start of supporting 30 STEM Fellows, that the Minister envisions will become big.

The Minister indicated that science, technology and innovation is a foundation that has made Yango great, a path that the government wants to follow of providing talent that is going to deliver the change.

He added that as the MineTech programme opens next month, the Minister wants Yango to partner with the government on the various components of MineTech to expose the talent that will solve the challenges in the mining industry.

Yango Southern Africa Region Director, Kabanda Chewe said that Yango remains passionate about creating opportunities for students who have the drive and determination to shape Zambia’s future.

Ms Chewe stated the student will not only thrive academically but also gain practical experience and build meaningful careers that contribute to Zambia’s development and beyond.

She noted the government efforts as outlined in the Ministry of Education 2022 to 2026 strategic plan demonstrate a dedication to fostering a skilled workforce that can drive socio-economic progress.

“This initiative also supports Zambia’s national digital transformation strategy, 2023 to 2027, which aims to establish Zambia as a digital economy by enhancing digital services and skills across sectors,” Ms Chewe said.  

Zambia National Stem Foundation Executive Director, Michello Moonga noted that failure to leverage technology has contributed to poverty levels in the country.

Mr Moonga noted that while the world is at the pace of advanced artificial intelligence, quantum computing and green technology, the country is still grappling with systematic gaps in education and practical skills development.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President on Economy, Investment and Development Affairs, Jito Kayumba said that economic development cannot be mentioned without STEM.

Mr Kayumba explained that the globe enters into a new era, there is so much technological advancement going on which essentially stands as a solution to many challenges and Zambia can leverage on.

He cited mining as a major sector that the country is anchored on but acknowledged that STEM will add to the value chain of copper production.

Mr Kayumba added that Zambia’s economic destiny depends largely on anchor sectors like mining and agriculture but embedded in that is STEM.